Pick up a take-and-bake pizza from Papa Murphy's so you don't have to worry about dinner. / Submitted photo

Add 'Thriller' to your Halloween playlist. / Gannet file photo

Find out which dentists will buy back your child's candy at www.halloweencandybuyback.com. / Gannett file photo

We found these treat bags at Dollar General for $1. / JACKIE REHWALD/NEWS-LEADER

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Don’t let the trick-or-treaters sneak up on you!

1. Gather supplies

Now’s the time to gather supplies: flashlights with fresh batteries, candy, fake blood, etc. And while you’re at it, make sure costumes are safe. Apply reflective tape to shine in a car’s headlights, avoid dark colors and check that masks don’t obstruct vision. For more safety tips, visit healthykidsnews.org.

2. Plan dinner

The only person busier than you on Halloween night is the pizza delivery guy, so don’t plan on ordering a pizza. Prepare a meal now and put it in the freezer. Put something in the slow cooker Wednesday morning so it will be ready for dinner. Or pick up a Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake pizza. The large jack o’lantern pizza is $6 and available through Halloween. For locations, visit papamurphys.com.

4. Candy Buyback

Check into the Halloween Candy Buyback program. Every year participating dentists “buy” back kids’ Halloween candy in return for cash, coupons and other creative exchanges. Dentists send the candy to Operation Gratitude to give to U.S. military members deployed in other countries. To find a participating dentist in your area, visit halloweencandybuyback.com.

5. Treat bag

Unless your little pirate plans to eat his candy between each house he visits, he’ll need something to carry his treasure in. If you’re going the homemade route, think of a way to match the treat bag with your child’s costume. We found these adorable felt bags at Dollar General for a buck.